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Vanguard doesn't charge fees for incoming or outgoing transfers, but other companies might.

How to Close a Deceased Loved One's Vanguard Account Step 1: Contact Vanguard. Call Vanguard at 877-662-7447, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. ... Step 2: Give the Vanguard account representatives information. ... Step 3: Learn about your options from the Vanguard customer service representative.

The Transfer on Death Plan offers a convenient way to pass certain types of Vanguard nonretirement assets to your heirs outside of probate. You retain full control of the assets during your lifetime; the named beneficiaries receive them only after your death.

The most important benefit of a TOD account is simplicity. Estate planning can help minimize the legal mess left after you die. Without it, the probate system can take over the distribution of your assets. It can also name an executor of your estate and pay off your remaining debts with your assets.

“Typically, TOD accounts are investment accounts that will transfer to the beneficiary when the account owner dies." Transfer on death accounts are similar to “payable on death" (POD) accounts, with both transferring assets to beneficiaries after the account owner dies.

With a TOD, you keep control of the brokerage account assets during your lifetime. After you die, ownership is passed to the named beneficiaries. You can change beneficiaries or cancel your TOD throughout the life of your account, usually by filling out the documents a firm requires to make changes or revoke the TOD.

TOD Deeds Are Not Effective for Multiple Beneficiaries or Contingent Beneficiaries. One key disadvantage relates to the number of beneficiaries you have. In California, TOD deeds may not have multiple beneficiaries with unequal shares. California law also does not permit TOD deeds with contingent beneficiaries.

With no present interest the designated beneficiary cannot withdraw funds for his or her personal use during the account holder's lifetime. Even if the designated beneficiary is also the agent under a durable power of attorney for the account holder, withdrawals must be solely for the account holder's benefit.